Is your Jack Russell searching for the spotlight? Does your Shih Tzu have star quality? Why not audition your beloved pooch for the opera La Bohème? Producers of the show are currently on the hunt for a dog and its owner to join the cast of the famous opera.
Pets for this production in the University Concert Hall, Limerick on 9th April and Dublin’s National Concert Hall on 12th April need to be well-behaved, small and used to people and quiet. Owners will need to be prepared to go on stage in costume and look after them as well.
‘People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both,’ award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said.
‘The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage.
‘Many years ago, when we last did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.’
The set of La Bohème reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include a brass band, snow effects and a full choir and orchestra. It will be performed in the Italian with English subtitles.
To audition your dog, send a photograph to Angela Klappa: angela@ellenkent.co.uk. Please include your contact number, the city you’re applying for as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of your dog. If you are successful, the production team will contact you a week before the performance.
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